60-Metre Drain Collapses On ₹12.41-Crore Road In MP's Manawar

A 60-metre stretch of a roadside drain on the Lunhera-Manawar road in Manawar, Madhya Pradesh, has collapsed, sparking concerns over the construction quality of the ₹12.41-crore project. The drain, which is part of the 19.90-km road built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), gave way during rains, allowing water to enter fields and wash away fertile soil.

The collapse has affected farmers in the area, including Mushtaq, who alleged that the use of substandard materials and inadequate reinforcement had damaged his bitter gourd crop. Villagers have also pointed out that four bridges along the road remain incomplete, raising suspicions of collusion between contractors and officials.

A project board at the site indicates that ₹1,241.01 lakh was spent on road construction, while ₹87.84 lakh was allocated for maintenance. However, the villagers are demanding a technical audit and an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Sub-engineer Sudarshan has stated that the drain was constructed after measurements were taken and that its collapse would be investigated. He added that the drain would be rebuilt if necessary. PMGSY chief engineer Mangilal Dawar has ordered an inquiry into the matter, which will examine the roles of the sub-engineer, sub-divisional officer, executive engineer, manager, and contractor.

According to Dawar, the drain wall should be around 20 centimetres thick, as per the design. If the inquiry finds any violations of construction standards, action will be taken. The villagers are demanding an inspection of the drain's thickness, reinforcement, cement, and other materials, as well as disclosure of the road's guarantee period, payments, measurement book, and quality test report.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a flagship programme of the Indian government aimed at providing connectivity to rural areas. The scheme has been instrumental in improving the infrastructure of rural roads, but instances of poor construction quality and corruption have raised concerns over its effectiveness.

In this case, the collapse of the drain has not only affected the farmers but also raised questions about the accountability of the contractors and officials involved. The inquiry ordered by the PMGSY chief engineer is expected to shed light on the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of government schemes, particularly those related to infrastructure development. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that construction projects are completed to the specified standards, to avoid such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the collapse of the 60-metre drain on the Lunhera-Manawar road in Manawar, Madhya Pradesh, has raised concerns over the construction quality of the ₹12.41-crore project. The inquiry ordered by the PMGSY chief engineer is expected to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of government schemes and the importance of ensuring that construction projects are completed to the specified standards.